The mainstream unions such as RMT, ASLEF and the Communication Workers have launched a series of strikes. However, they have yet to win. The victory of the UVW workers is therefore very heartening, showing that strikes can win pay rises to beat the increase in the cost of living.
From the website: (https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/news/2022/09/unionised-leisure-centre-cleaners-win-inflation-busting-16-pay-rise-2/)
Latin American cleaners and members of United Voices of the World (UVW), at Latchmere Leisure Centre in Battersea have won a massive 16% pay rise, well above the current rate of inflation. Today, they received confirmation that from 1 October they will receive a 16% pay rise.
Their victory follows a ballot for industrial action which saw a 100% turnout and 100% yes vote and is the culmination of a campaign launched by the cleaners, all of whom are Bolivian migrants, for dignity, respect and a voice at work.
Juan, one of the cleaners and UVW members, says this is the outcome of collective action.“A proper living wage is a right for all, whether you’re a migrant worker or not. If you don’t have a living wage it is your duty to fight for it. The bosses will try to deny you your rights and try to bring you down, but you have to keep going. Unity is strength and anything can be achieved if we are united as workers”, he told us upon hearing the news.
Marco, another cleaner and UVW member, called for others to join in the fight. “UVW works for and fights for workers’ rights and I have felt their full support. The fight continues however and I call on all workers; if you have any issues with your employers or any issues at work, join UVW so together we can fight for change.”
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